Tag: Bacillus subtilis

While most people are familiar with common probiotics like those found in yogurt, a spore-forming bacterium called *Bacillus subtilis* is also a powerful probiotic with unique benefits. It is predominantly found in certain traditional fermented foods, particularly those from East Asia. Understanding which foods contain B. subtilis can help individuals seeking to diversify their probiotic intake.

Over the past 15 years, the industrial production of riboflavin has shifted almost entirely from chemical synthesis to a more cost-effective and sustainable biotechnological approach. In this fermentation-based process, genetically engineered bacteria and fungi are the primary producers of riboflavin (vitamin B2), a vital nutrient for both humans and animals.

While the human body cannot produce its own vitamin B12, a select group of microorganisms can synthesize both B2 and B12. This ability is harnessed for large-scale production, primarily through microbial fermentation, to meet the global demand for nutritional supplements and fortified foods.

According to research, the majority of Vitamin K2, also known as menaquinone, is synthesized by bacteria, both in fermented foods and within the human gastrointestinal tract. This article explores which bacteria create vitamin K and how their synthesis contributes to human health.

An estimated 50% of the bacterial species in the gut can produce vitamin K2, specifically menaquinones. This critical nutrient, known for its roles in blood clotting, bone health, and cardiovascular wellness, can be influenced by the presence of certain probiotics in your diet.

As the best-studied Gram-positive bacterium, *Bacillus subtilis* is a fascinating model organism for cellular research. This rod-shaped microbe, commonly found in soil, is a complex organism composed of a robust cell wall, a specialized cytoplasmic membrane, and intricate internal structures. Its specific composition allows it to thrive in varied environments and form highly resilient endospores under stress.

According to scientific studies, a balanced gut microbiome is essential for overall digestive well-being and immune system support. Subtilis capsules are dietary supplements containing a blend of beneficial microorganisms and fibers, formulated to improve intestinal health and address issues like indigestion and diarrhea.

The ability of microorganisms to produce enzymes is a fundamental trait used in microbiology labs for identification purposes. The starch agar test for amylase is one such method, designed to determine if bacteria can produce the extracellular enzyme amylase, which breaks down starch.

Freeze-drying is a low-temperature dehydration process that removes moisture while preserving the structure and nutrients of food, including the delicate probiotics. Because of this, freeze-dried natto is an excellent source of the beneficial bacteria that contribute to gut health, making it a viable alternative to fresh natto.

According to recent studies, certain species of *Bacillus* are indeed recognized as beneficial probiotics, a significant departure from traditional non-spore-forming strains like *Lactobacillus*. But is a Bacillus a probiotic, and how do they differ from other strains?